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Lot Essay
Henri Weigele, born in Schlierbach on September 20th, 1858, studied sculpture in Paris under Jules Franceschi. He won the Honorable mention at the Salon des Artistes Franais in 1893, followed by a third class medal in 1907 and a first class medal in 1909.
Weigele specialised in the combination of marble and gilt bronze to produce dramatic color effects which he often used for his mythological busts, such as this one of Diana. One of the twelve Gods of Olympus, Diana - Apollo's twin sister - was initially the protector of the wild life. Later she also became identified with the moon goddess, Luna. The Romans would worship her as a triple deity, the goddess of the earth, the sky and the underworld. Diana, when depicted as the moon goddess, is seen with a crescent moon on her head and usually is not remarkable for her chastity.
A companion work to Diana was the war goddess, Athena, a version of which is in the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. These theatrical creations were meant to recall the grand style of the 18th Century sculpture. Another version of Diana is on display at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Weigele specialised in the combination of marble and gilt bronze to produce dramatic color effects which he often used for his mythological busts, such as this one of Diana. One of the twelve Gods of Olympus, Diana - Apollo's twin sister - was initially the protector of the wild life. Later she also became identified with the moon goddess, Luna. The Romans would worship her as a triple deity, the goddess of the earth, the sky and the underworld. Diana, when depicted as the moon goddess, is seen with a crescent moon on her head and usually is not remarkable for her chastity.
A companion work to Diana was the war goddess, Athena, a version of which is in the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. These theatrical creations were meant to recall the grand style of the 18th Century sculpture. Another version of Diana is on display at the New Orleans Museum of Art.